The benefits of Krion® K·Life in hospital atmospheres
Although any space, which is in contact with people has to have certain hygiene and safety conditions, there are some places where health standards have to be extremely high indeed. We are talking about sanitary spaces, where every single detail which may affect the hygiene of the space is taken... into account. Whether they are clinics, hospitals, medical consultations or beauty salons; healthcare atmospheres need to bank on materials, tools and protocols which ensure bacteria-free spaces with no contaminants. The ease of contagion, along with the susceptibility of the people that go to a medical centre, results in stronger measures being taken. Thus, businessmen, architects and interior designers are increasingly banking on those solutions which enhance safety for people. Because of the need of becoming familiarised with the materials which benefit the atmospheres related to health, Hospitecnia, the prestigious architecture, engineering and hospital management website has published an article about Krion® K·Life 1100 and how the material creates better hospital atmospheres. The benefits of Krion® K·Life in Healthcare spaces The main requirement for a material to be used in public spaces is that of having been given a number of certifications by independent organizations which ensure the safety of the facilities and people alike. Krion counts on the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration): with the ecolabel type III which focuses on the impact studies during the whole service life of the material, detailing the impact which is produced in each stage of the service life. Among the huge number of benefits of Krion® K·Life 1100 for the health sector, professionals highlight the following: Bacteriostatic surface: Krion® does not allow bacteria to spread, something which is extremely important in an environment where the infection probabilities are very high. Easy-to-clean properties: Its almost zero porosity means Krion® stops dirt and contaminants getting into the material. The lack of joints is also helpful for easy cleaning since there are no hard-to-reach areas where dirt can build up. Resistance to chemicals: Health spaces have to ensure that the hygiene in the place is absolute by all means.This is the reason why materials with aggressive compounds which disinfect and kill bacteria are generally used. Krion® is resistant to these types of materials, therefore, the integrity of the surface and the durability are guaranteed. The ability to customise: In hospital centres, covering the needs which ensure the wellbeing of people is paramount. The thermoforming properties by our solid surface help with its adaption to the environment, based on the established professional requirements. The Krion® solid surface brings together the most important properties from our clients point of view, but, Krion® K·LIFE 1100, these benefits have significantly increased, up to the point where they make the environment better for people, something which is essential in any atmosphere. Read more
Learn more about signage design and its applications in different projects
The signage design is essential for many of the projects and buildings that are carried out. Users outside the company need to receive information from the business or building in a simple and clear way, either to find a place or for any other purpose. Good corporate and creative signage has the... function of acting as a guide for both internal staff and, above all, for external personnel to the company. That is why a well thought out design helps users better understand the information, but also conveys a much more careful and innovative image. Depending on the project in which you want to incorporate the signage, the needs in terms of the type of design and place of placement of the signs will be different. However, in all cases, it is vital to have a durable, easy to clean material and with the best quality. That is why many establishments choose to carry out their Krion Solid Surface signage. The importance of signage in hospitals Signage in a hospital is of great importance since it can provide a large amount of relevant information quickly and easily, helping the user to find a specific area or reach an area. In addition, in a place as special as a hospital, it is necessary to have signs that express to the user the prohibition to enter certain places, the danger that he may run if he accesses others such as the X-ray rooms, or the restricted access of others places. The design of signage in hotels The design of signage in a hotel can help the user to immerse themselves much more in the accommodation experience. With the malleability of Krion™ and the ability of this material to adapt to any shape, hotels have an unparalleled ally. Thanks to these properties, each signage of the establishment can be totally unique, generating the modernity and exclusivity necessary for accommodation. Signage at airports The signage at an airport is essential and its Krion™ design can offer a modern and exclusive vision, while fulfilling all its functions. An airport is a space in which having the appropriate signs, both directional and guiding, is of great importance. The user who makes a stopover needs to quickly know where the place he is looking for is located, so good signage design is key to the success of an airport. In addition, the exterior signage of the airport can also be essential, for which it is necessary that the chosen material be very resistant and capable of withstanding inclement weather. That is why Krion™ Solid Surface is an excellent choice. Corporate signage in offices The signage in the offices is of great importance in terms of the visual identity of the brand. The corporate part of the signage and the choice of a design adapted to the brand image can result in a better image for the company. Furthermore, clarity and being able to communicate something at a glance helps potential clients or visitors to public or private offices to quickly understand what they need to do, where they need to go, or what the rules of conduct are in place. The application of signage in restaurants and shopping areas The help provided by signage in restaurants is essential for the proper functioning of the establishment. In addition to having the mandatory signs, such as directions for emergency exits, stairs, elevators or areas with video surveillance, signage can also be very useful in places such as bathrooms. Differentiating the men's and women's toilets in an original way, indicating the appropriate use of wastebaskets or remembering to save water are just some of the applications of signage in restaurant bathrooms. Whatever the project, it is indisputable that Solid Surface by Krion™ is the ideal option to have signage with an original, modern design and, above all, of unbeatable quality and resistance. Read more
How do viruses behave on a Krion™ surface?
Up to now, at Krion we have had first-hand knowledge of how bacteria acted on Krion™ surfaces, which are non-porous, have no visible joins and can form curved edging to make maintenance easier. However, current circumstances call for special attention to the behaviour of viruses, to... respond to the queries submitted by our associates regarding the infectivity of viruses on Krion™ surfaces. The study was carried out by the Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory in the United Kingdom, using the FID50 counting system, on a Krion™ surface. During the study, an inert plastic surface of the type commonly installed in health centres was used for comparison. Two types of safe virus were chosen for this scientific study. The first was the HCoV-NL63 coronavirus, which belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 family. It affects humans but is not lethal. The second was another potentially dangerous virus, Influenza A, which causes common flu and has a great impact on society during the year. Conduct of the study The Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory was responsible for depositing the non-lethal human coronavirus HCoV-NL63 and the Influenza A virus on an untreated Krion™ Snow White 1100 surface and on a plastic surface for comparison, following the modified ISO 21702 standard. The Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory. The infectivity of the HCoV-NL63 coronavirus was 82.22% lower 24 hours after coming into contact with a Krion™ surface, while in the case of plastic the reduction was 55.28% over the same period of time. After 48 hours, infectivity was 97.25% lower, compared with 98.45% for plastic, and after 72 hours it was 98.22% lower, compared to 98.45% for a plastic surface. There was an 88.75% reduction in the activity of the Influenza A virus during the first 2 hours of contact with a Krion™ surface, whereas the reduction on a plastic surface over the same period was 18.44%. After 24 hours, the presence of the virus on the Krion™ surface was reduced by 99.73% compared to 99.97% on plastic and after 48 hours it had decreased by 99.98% compared to 99.99% for plastic. Results of the study by The Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory. We may conclude that the reduction in infectivity of both viruses on a Krion™ surface indicates a lower likelihood of infection. Krion urges everyone to follow the health and safety recommendations issued in the current pandemic to prevent the spread of infection. Krion™ Solid Surface: resistance and safety The most advanced mineral compact on the market is synonymous with resistance and safety thanks to its ability to withstand impacts and solar radiation. It is also non-porous, with imperceptible joins, maximising hygiene and preventing the proliferation of bacteria. Krion offers excellent mechanical properties and aesthetic qualities, always following the latest design trends, making it the ideal solid surface for any type of project, whether residential or in the hotel and catering sectors. Read more
KRION Shell™, sustainable shower trays
At Krion Porcelanosa Group, we strongly believe in minimising the use of resources by opting for recycled materials to manufacture new products, something we call “Sustainable Awareness”. This is the case for Krion Shell™, a strong and sustainable material. The structural... body is made of dolomite, a natural mineral, along with recycled PET-derived bioresin. It also has a strong and homogeneous external layer made of alumina trihydrate and resin. Without a doubt, the materials used to manufacture our washbasins, bathroom countertops and sustainable shower trays represent an absolute revolution in bathroom design, whilst remaining attractive and functional. VÍDEO Eco-friendly shower trays The different models of Krion Shell™ sustainable shower trays stand out for their modern and innovative appearance, whilst also bringing both hygiene and safety to the bathroom. Their green design makes them an exclusive and unique product, ideally suited to creating totally sustainable and customised spaces. For example, the amount of recycled PET in a Slope shower tray measuring 150 cm x 90 cm is equivalent to 380 plastic bottles. It also has sound-absorbing properties, to help create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. FOTO Thanks to its production process, Krion Shell™ is available in a broad range of colours without losing any benefits, in White, Taupe, Graphite, Grey and Beige, in both a gloss and matte finish. It also comes in different textures - Rock, Concrete and Silk - adding a touch of design and personality to the shower tray depending on your personal preferences and needs. FOTO Certifications: safe and sustainable products Krion Shell™’s commitment to the environment and its concern regarding improving people’s quality of life have made it a safe and sustainable product, endorsed with various certifications. This includes a certification from SCS Global Service, a leading independent North American environmental certification company, which verifies and guarantees that all certified Krion Shell™ products contain a minimum of 5% recycled product waste in their total composition, advocating more sustainable and environmentally friendly production. LOGO CERTIFICADO Krion Porcelanosa Group has also conducted different external tests at the Valencian Institute for Microbiology (IVAMI) to verify that Krion Shell™, and the by-products deriving from it, are environmentally inert, not affecting the possible accidental release into the environment and also responding to increasing societal demand. These tests guarantee that the material is harmless for living organisms, including those on land and in aquatic ecosystems. Finally, here are some other certifications which have recognised Krion Shell™ in terms of safety: FOTO CERTIFICADOS Certificate awarded by the Greenguard Environmental Institute. This guarantees that Krion Shell™ complies with indoor air quality standards in terms of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). REACH standards govern chemical products which are manufactured or included as substances in blends and finished products on the EU market. Its main objective is to guarantee a high level of human health and environmental protection. KRION demonstrates compliance with REACH standards through a certificate issued by an external laboratory. The CE mark indicates that all Krion Shell® products comply with the quality and safety criteria required by the European Union, supported by Directive 93/68/EEC and governed by standards applicable to each product. The CSA label granted by the CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association) indicates that the product has been tested and certified independently to comply with quality and safety standards required in the United States and Canada, in accordance with CSA B45.5/ IAPMO Z124 and IAPMO/ANSI Z124.8. The cUPC label granted by IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) indicates that the product has been tested and certified independently to comply with quality and safety standards required in the United States and Canada, in accordance with CSA B45.5/ IAPMO Z124 and IAPMO/ANSI Z124.8. Read more
